F1: Zhou Guanyu confident for Imola grand prix after rain-hit qualifying – ‘we have a good chance’

First Chinese driver in Formula One will start on seventh row for 100km sprint race, which will determine grid for Sunday’s grand prix

‘Normally I’m stronger on the race pace, so we often move up as a team. If it’s dry conditions, we have a very good chance,’ Zhou says

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Alfa Romeo driver Zhou Guanyu of China negotiates wet conditions during the first free practice for Sunday’s Formula One grand prix in Italy. Photo: AP

Published: 4:58pm, 23 Apr 2022

China’s Zhou Guanyu is feeling confident ahead of Sunday’s Imola grand prix despite a rain-hit qualifying session in Italy on Friday.

The 22-year-old Alfa Romeo rookie, the first Chinese driver in F1, will be on the seventh row – alongside seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes – for Saturday’s 100km (62-mile) sprint race to determine the grid for Sunday’s grand prix.

His teammate Valtteri Bottas will start on the fourth row, alongside Sergio Perez of Red Bull.

There were frequent crashes and five red flags on Friday, with reigning champ Max Verstappen of Red Bull securing his first pole of the season for the sprint.

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands smiles after clocking the fastest time during qualifying. Photo: AP

Verstappen outpaced Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc by 1.2 seconds, with McLaren’s Lando Norris third ahead of Kevin Magnussen of Haas.